The last thing anybody needs in the middle of this crisis is to pay high utility bills. That’s why we’re continuing to analyze bills for Illinois consumers. “I’m afraid they may be overcharging me,” said one consumer who emailed her gas and electric bills to us. She was right: An…...
Overpaying by $4.4 billion? New report shows why we need electricity market reforms
We’re paying $4.4 billion more for electricity than we need to be. According to a new report, consumers all over the U.S.—including northern Illinois—are overpaying for a “capacity” charge that’s hidden on most electric bills. This is a major reason why CUB is fighting for the electricity-market reform provisions in…...
Statement by CUB Executive Director David Kolata on ICC Consumer Protection Measures Amid COVID-19 Crisis
We thank state regulators for their pro-consumer actions today. These are uncertain times, and the last thing consumers need is to have their utility service interrupted, or to have their health threatened by alternative supplier sales representatives knocking on their doors. As this public health crisis unfolds, we need to…...
CUB, consumer advocates fight to end reckless spending by gas utilities
Fed up with reckless spending by Peoples Gas, ratepayers, consumer advocates, and Chicago City Councilmembers are pressing the natural gas utility for answers about a growing heating affordability crisis in the City. “We have a responsibility to our constituents. We owe nothing to Peoples Gas,” said Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th),…...
4 Coronavirus headlines you might have missed: Shut-offs, Wi-Fi, scams, dirty cellphones
As Coronavirus continues to spread, headlines have been saturated with news about the disease, also known as COVID-19. CUB picked a few news stories from the bunch that are helpful for consumers’ pocketbooks and health. Leaders call on utilities to half shut-offs during public health crisis. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and…...
A message from CUB’s Executive Director: Responding to COVID-19
Dear Illinois consumers: Now that the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 (also known as Coronavirus) a global pandemic, I want to let you know that the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will continue to serve you through this public health crisis, while doing our part to limit this hazard from…...
CUB’s Virtual Utility Bill Clinic
Because of concerns about COVID-19, we are bringing back a popular service: virtual utility-bill clinics. How it works: A CUB specialist will look over your gas, electric and telecom bills to see if you’re signed up with an alternative supplier or if you’re paying for unnecessary products and services. We’ll…...
